Approximately 317 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 850 in Oklahoma City have ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The contract, which was approved on August 19, covers full-time, part-time, and casual Air Traffic Controller Instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.
Craig Martin, IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President, commented on the agreement: “This agreement is a major step forward for our members who dedicate themselves to training the next generation of air traffic controllers. We still have some work to do to help us recruit and retain instructors while improving quality of life for a workforce that has carried a heavy load to meet the mission.”
The contract includes several changes such as a 3% annual wage increase each year over the three-year term. There will also be a $30 daily travel reimbursement increase for members living outside Oklahoma City to help offset commuting costs. Additional incentives include enhanced holiday and peak-period bonuses for working during weeks with federal holidays and between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The agreement also introduces protections related to Veterans Services, allowing IAM’s Veterans Services Department annual facility access to assist members with VA claims. Updates were made to contractual language covering other key areas of the collective bargaining agreement.
The negotiating committee highlighted ongoing challenges in attracting new instructors and maintaining work-life balance, noting that many current members often work double shifts and extended hours to meet FAA training requirements.
Ben Moody, IAM Union District 171 President and Directing Business Representative, stated: “Our members take tremendous pride in their work and in the critical role they play in our nation’s aviation safety. This contract recognizes that sacrifice and lays the foundation to ensure the FAA has the skilled instructors it needs for years to come.”
IAM represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others throughout North America.
